Johnny Campbell Co-Driver For Robby Gordon At Dakar

Charlotte, N.C. (December 8, 2011) – Robby Gordon and the SPEED Energy/Toyo Tires team announce the addition of off-road legend, Johnny Campbell to the 2012 team. Johnny Campbell will serve as Gordon’s navigator during the 2012 edition of the infamous Dakar Rally. Campbell will be responsible for directing Gordon through the 6,000-mile pan-American journey that is different than years past, which will add to the allure of the grueling race. The 14-day racing event will starting on New Year’s Day in Mar Del Plata, Argentina, cross over the Andes of Chile and then finish in country of Peru. Both the route and terrain will be different than years’ past, making Campbell one of the most important team members.

The Southern Californian 2-wheel racer is most known for his multiple Baja 1000 victories. This will be his second entry in the Dakar Rally and his first on to the South American continent as a navigator. Campbell, age 40, finished 8th overall and1st as a privateer during the 2001 Dakar Rally, bringing an impressive resume to Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy/Toyo Tires team. With a total of 16 Baja wins – 5 Baja 500 and 11 Baja 1000 – Campbell not only brings along a tradition of success but a great deal of experience when it comes to reading the desert terrain. Campbell’s ability will be key to Gordon’s success as the two look for their first Dakar Rally overall win in 2012.

“I have always said that I would return to conquer the Dakar Rally when the right opportunity presented itself. When I got the call from Robby, I knew that time had come. To be partnered with one of motorsports all-time legends, his great team and awesome equipment is a dream come true. I am very excited and looking forward to the challenge of navigating the Speed Energy / Toyo Tires team to the top of the podium,” commented Johnny Campbell.

“Having Johnny Campbell join our team is a real honor. Having 11 Baja 1000 victories and finishing the Dakar Rally in 2001 on a motorcycle, he understands what it takes to be successful and competitive. Not only will he be an asset on the car side, he also brings a level of professionalism to our team given his managerial background, which is only going to make our team that much stronger this year. He is a true champion, and I am excited to have him as part of this year’s Dakar Rally team,” commented Robby Gordon.

Johnny Campbell’s Career Highlights:

* Baja 1000, 1997-2005, 2007-08

* Baja 500, 1997-98, 2002-04

* San Felipe 250, 1998-2000, 2002-04, 08

* Vegas to Reno, 2001, 2004-05, 2007

* Terrible’s Town 250, 2001-03, 2005

* HYR 24 Hours of Glen Helen, 1999, 2006

* 2005–Henderson’s Terrible 400, Nevada 1000, Parker 250

* 2004–Henderson’s Terrible 300

* 2003–Laughlin U.S. Hare Scrambles

* 2001–8th overall/1st privateer, Paris-to-Dakar Rally

* 2000–Nevada 2000, Tonopah 300, Adelanto Grand Prix

* 1998–Silver State 300

* 1995–Nevada Rally

* 1992–HDRA Nevada 500, Rosarito Beach Grand Prix

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Permalink Reply by kurt kern on December 11, 2011 at 2:54pm

I doubt the mini's will struggle as much as last year. They will have addressed the obvious short comings. Expect them to run like the bimmers.....pretty fast. Robby and Nassar will have their hands full trying to beat them. Team Hummer will first be focusing on not beating themselves, then the mini's. We shouldn't ignore those little pick-ups either, whether we call 'em toyotas or nissans.....they're good little race cars. It is going to a good battle.

I'm sure the competition is a little concerned about RG's Hummers!

Go Robby and Nassar!

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Permalink Reply by Capt. Allen "Pez Loco" on December 11, 2011 at 4:28pm

Peterhannsel had a clear lead until he rolled it, the Mini's were fast. The Hummers will truely find there leggs when they get into the Desert and dunes. Gas on Boys

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Meyer on December 11, 2011 at 5:57pm

Just watched "Dust to Glory" again. So glad Johnny is with RGM, you couldn't ask for a better running mate!

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Permalink Reply by DEZERTBOUND on December 12, 2011 at 7:21pm

I like this choice/ Match-up.....

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Permalink Reply by FD REBEL on December 22, 2011 at 10:47pm

Very cool, its all about reading terrain and not pushing your equipment to the breaking point and both these guys can do that...well one for sure?

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Permalink Reply by Jack Lashua on December 23, 2011 at 11:34pm

Really no reason Robbie and team can't win, key words are "not breaking equipment"

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Permalink Reply by marc stein on December 28, 2011 at 9:31am

This is PERFECT
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ROBBY FAN Since 1980's))